You’ve probably seen the photos. That iconic, towering white building standing tall over the Sunny Isles Beach skyline, looking like a relic from a version of Florida that doesn't quite exist anymore. Honestly, the Marco Polo Beach Resort Miami—often just called the Marco Polo Hotel—is one of those places that splits people right down the middle. Some travelers swear by its nostalgic charm and killer views. Others? Well, they get a bit of a shock when they realize it isn't the sleek, glass-and-chrome ultra-modern tower that dominates the rest of Miami Beach.
It's complicated.
Finding a place to stay in Miami is a nightmare lately because prices have absolutely skyrocketed. When you see the rates for the Marco Polo, they look almost too good to be true for oceanfront property. Usually, they are. But "too good to be true" doesn't mean "bad." It just means you need to know exactly what you’re walking into before you hand over your credit card.
What is the Marco Polo Beach Resort Miami, Really?
Basically, it's a Ramada Plaza. Specifically, the Marco Polo Beach Resort-Ramada Plaza by Wyndham. It sits at 19201 Collins Avenue. That location is gold. You are right on the Atlantic Ocean in Sunny Isles, which is technically north of Miami Beach proper. It’s quieter here. Wealthier, too, in a "Russian oligarch and luxury condo" kind of way.
The hotel was designed by Morris Lapidus. If that name sounds familiar, it should. He’s the guy who gave us the Fontainebleau and Eden Roc. He basically invented the "Miami Modern" aesthetic. You can still see his fingerprints in the curved lines and the grand, slightly theatrical lobby. But let’s be real: the 1960s were a long time ago. While the bones are legendary, the skin has seen some stuff.
People come here for the beach. You walk out the back, pass the pool, and your toes are in the sand. That’s the sell. You aren't paying for a five-star spa experience or a celebrity chef-driven restaurant. You’re paying for a balcony where you can watch the sunrise over the water without selling a kidney to afford the room.
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The Room Situation: A Total Crapshoot?
Here is the thing about the Marco Polo Hotel Miami that most travel sites won't tell you: the rooms are not all created equal. Because it’s an older building that has transitioned through different management styles, the "vibe" varies wildly.
Some rooms have been updated with crisp linens and modern-ish flooring. Others feel like a time capsule from 1994. Think popcorn ceilings, slightly musty carpets, and those heavy wooden dressers that have survived three different renovations. If you’re a stickler for perfection, this might drive you crazy. But if you just need a base camp? It’s fine. It’s totally fine.
Most rooms are surprisingly large. Since it was built in an era before developers tried to squeeze every square inch out of a floor plan, you get actual space. Most rooms have kitchenettes, too. This is a massive win if you’re traveling with kids or just don't want to spend $40 on a mediocre breakfast every single morning.
The View Factor
If you book a room here, do not—under any circumstances—settle for a "city view" if you can help it. The oceanfront views are why this place stays in business. Looking out over the turquoise water of the Atlantic while the salt air hits your face makes the dated wallpaper in the hallway much easier to ignore.
The Pool and Amenities: The Good, The Bad, and The Salty
The pool deck is the heart of the resort. It’s big. It’s sunny. It’s classic Florida. You’ve got the tiki bar—Plunge Poolside Bar & Grill—serving up the kind of drinks that come with tiny umbrellas and a lot of sugar. Is it gourmet? No. Is a frozen piña colada exactly what you want when it’s 90 degrees and 80% humidity? Absolutely.
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But let’s talk about the "resort fee."
Every hotel in Miami does this now, and it’s annoying. At the Marco Polo, that fee usually covers things like Wi-Fi, pool towels, and access to the fitness center. Check the current rate before you book, because it can add a significant chunk to your "budget" stay. Also, parking. Parking in Sunny Isles is a disaster. The hotel offers valet, but it isn't cheap. If you’re renting a car, factor that into your daily cost, or you’ll be in for a nasty surprise at checkout.
Is Sunny Isles Actually Better Than South Beach?
Depends on who you ask. If you want to party until 4:00 AM at LIV and then stumble home, stay in South Beach. If you want to actually sleep and maybe go for a jog on a beach that isn't littered with empty White Claw cans, stay at the Marco Polo Beach Resort Miami.
Sunny Isles is "Millionaire’s Row." You are surrounded by the Porsche Design Tower and the Ritz-Carlton. Staying at the Marco Polo is like having a modest house in the richest neighborhood in town. You get the same beach, the same sun, and the same proximity to the Aventura Mall (which is about 5 minutes away and a dangerous place for your bank account) but at a fraction of the price.
Where to Eat Nearby
Don't feel trapped in the hotel for food.
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- Tony Roma’s: It’s literally right there. It’s a chain, sure, but it’s consistent.
- Epicurean Delights: You’ve got a bunch of small Russian and Uzbek spots nearby that serve incredible dumplings and borscht.
- Miami Juice: A few blocks away. It’s a local legend for healthy food. Get the blackened snapper. Thank me later.
Managing Your Expectations: A Survival Guide
I see people leave one-star reviews for the Marco Polo all the time, and usually, it's because they expected a St. Regis experience at a Ramada price point. Kinda crazy, right?
The elevator might be slow. The staff might be overworked. The "fitness center" is probably just a few treadmills in a room that smells slightly like chlorine. But you’re on the ocean. You’re in Miami. You’re paying half of what the guy in the tower next door is paying.
If you go in expecting a high-end luxury resort, you will be disappointed. If you go in expecting a "well-loved," historic, mid-range hotel with an unbeatable location and a quirky personality, you’ll have a great time.
Practical Steps for Your Stay
If you’ve decided to pull the trigger on a stay at the Marco Polo Hotel Miami, here is how to do it right:
- Call the Front Desk Directly: After you book online, call them. Ask specifically for a room that has been recently renovated. They can't always guarantee it, but being nice goes a long way in the hospitality world.
- Check for Conventions: This place hosts a lot of events. If there’s a massive group there, the pool gets crowded. Check the calendar or ask if any large blocks are booked during your dates.
- Pack an Extension Cord: Older hotels never have enough outlets. If you have a laptop, two phones, and a tablet to charge, you’ll be hunting for a plug behind the nightstand.
- Aventura Mall Shuttle: Check if the shuttle service is running during your stay. It’s a great way to save on Uber/Lyft fees if you’re planning a shopping day.
- Grocery Run: Since you have a fridge and probably a microwave/stove, hit the Publix nearby. Stocking up on water, beer, and snacks will save you $200 over a four-day trip.
The Marco Polo isn't trying to be the coolest hotel in Miami. It’s not trying to be a tech-heavy "smart hotel" with iPads in every room. It’s a classic, slightly weathered beach resort that offers a way for regular people to enjoy one of the most expensive stretches of sand in the world. As long as you know that, it’s a solid choice for a Florida getaway.
Actionable Next Steps
- Verify the Resort Fee: Before booking, check the current daily resort fee and valet parking rates on the official Ramada/Wyndham site to avoid hidden costs.
- Request High Floors: The noise from Collins Avenue can be loud. Aim for a floor above the 10th to keep the traffic sounds at bay and maximize your ocean view.
- Join Wyndham Rewards: Even if you don't stay at Wyndhams often, joining the free loyalty program can sometimes net you a lower "member rate" and potentially a slightly better room assignment.
- Audit Your Room: Upon check-in, do a quick "five-minute audit." Check the AC, the hot water, and the door lock. If something is wonky, ask for a room change immediately before you unpack. It’s much easier for the staff to move you right away than three hours later.